SPANISH FORT, Ala.—A group of Spanish Fort High School students recently received more than just a taste of New Orleans.

Family and consumer sciences teachers Dianne Bernasconi and Joni Ojard loaded up some 55 members of the SFHS chapter of Family Career and Community Leaders of America for a total assault on the senses.

"FCCLA is a community service group, but it supports our curriculum, and the kids had an amazing time," said Bernasconi.

Not only did students see how Mardi Gras floats are designed and participate in a hands-on classs at the New Orleans School of Cooking, Bernasconi said they also studied the architecture in the French Quarter and met with a friend of hers who makes custom jewelry.

"This is my sixth year doing this trip, and it always sells out. It's very engaging, and they ask lots of questions," said Bernasconi. "The kids love going, and so do the parents. In fact, it's almost turned into a competition to see who gets on the bus to chaperone."